Simple Present Tense

Front

What is the simple present tense used for?

Back

The simple present tense is used to describe habits, unchanging situations, general truths, and fixed arrangements.

Front

How do you form the simple present tense?

Back

Use the base form of the verb: (I take, you take, we take, they take). The 3rd person singular takes an -s at the end (he takes, she takes).

Front

What is a rule for forming the third person singular in the simple present tense?

Back

In the third person singular, the verb always ends in -s: he wants, she needs.

Front

How do you form negative and question forms in the simple present tense?

Back

Use DOES + the infinitive of the verb. E.g., 'Does he want?' 'He does not want.'

Front

What happens to verbs ending in -y in the third person singular?

Back

The -y changes to -ies: fly --> flies, cry --> cries. Exception: if there is a vowel before the -y: play --> plays.

Front

What is the rule for verbs ending in -ss, -x, -sh, -ch in the third person singular?

Back

Add -es: he passes, she catches, he fixes, it pushes.

Front

How is the simple present tense used with future constructions?

Back

It is used after some conjunctions like after, when, before, as soon as, until. E.g., 'He'll give it to you when you come next Saturday.'

Front

Give an example of a repeated action using the simple present tense.

Back

We catch the bus every morning.

Front

What is the rule for verbs ending in -o in the third person singular?

Back

Add -es: he goes, she does.

Front

What is the rule for verbs ending in -z in the third person singular?

Back

Double the z and add -es: he buzzes, it fizzles.